How pregnancy and the placenta adapt to low oxygen
The physiological and genetic basis of gestational adaptations to hypoxia
This work looks at how low oxygen during pregnancy changes the placenta and baby’s growth by studying the genes and cells that help some pregnancies cope better than others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321242 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will learn how researchers compare animals adapted to high altitude with human-relevant biology to find shared ways the placenta responds to low oxygen. They use advanced lab techniques that read which genes are active in specific placental cell types (single-nuclei RNA sequencing and related methods). By mapping cell-specific gene activity and chromatin accessibility, they aim to pinpoint the cells and genetic changes linked to better fetal growth under low-oxygen conditions. The goal is to reveal why some pregnancies have fetal growth restriction from hypoxia while others are protected.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who might be most relevant are pregnant people affected by low-oxygen conditions (for example, those living at high altitude or with placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction).
Not a fit: People with pregnancy complications that are unrelated to placental oxygenation, such as certain infections or genetic fetal disorders, may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to genetic markers or cell processes that help predict or prevent low-oxygen–related fetal growth problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and population studies have shown that high-altitude adaptations can protect fetal growth, but detailed cell-by-cell and genetic mapping in the placenta is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilsterman, Kathryn — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Wilsterman, Kathryn
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.